Populous Unveils Futuristic Honeycomb-Shaped Leeds Arena

Internationally-renowned stadium designers Populous just unveiled the sleek honeycombed façade of their new Leeds Arena! The studio was chosen last year to design the new multi-purpose arena, which is outfitted with a kaleidoscope of lights that will draw visitors from near and far once the sun sets. Populous, one of our favorite eco stadium designers, has also included an array of green building strategies culminating in an expansive green roof that will set a new standard for sustainably-built stadiums in the United Kingdom.

The new Leeds Arena is the cornerstone of a project that seeks to regenerate the city. The stadium will be located in the city center on Claypit Lane, and construction is expected to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2012. Exterior images of the stadium were just released, showcasing its honeycomb facade composed of cellular shapes based on the voroni diagram. Earlier this spring interior images were revealed that showed a fan-type layout that is more like a theater and less arena-like, allowing for better views from all seats.

Public opinion strongly swayed the design of the new stadium, and the finalized plan places a strong focus on environmentally friendly features, good acoustics, glazed panels and outside seating areas. As for green strategies, the arena will boast energy-efficient air source pumps for heating, rainwater collection, and a green sedum roof.

[...] both traditional Islamic architecture as well as sustainability. The exterior is covered in a crystalline honeycomb facade that serves to temper heat gain from the sun. The pattern was generated by a mathematically [...]